12) A Hat Full of Sky, by Terry Pratchett
The first I’ve read of the Tiffany Aching series. Obviously meant for young adults but a good read for everyone, I think, with a typically humanitarian message. My favourite line was:
“AAaargwannawannaaaagongongonaargggaaaaBLOON!” which is the traditional sound of a very small child learning that with balloons, as with life itself, it is important to know when not to let go of the string. The whole point of balloons is to teach small children this.
It’s that “as with life itself” that really makes it memorable.
The Colour of Magic | The Light Fantastic | Equal Rites | Mort | Sourcery | Wyrd Sisters | Pyramids | Guards! Guards! | Eric | Moving Pictures | Reaper Man | Witches Abroad | Small Gods | Lords and Ladies | Men at Arms | Soul Music | Interesting Times | Maskerade | Feet of Clay | Hogfather | Jingo | The Last Continent | Carpe Jugulum | The Fifth Elephant | The Truth | Thief of Time | The Last Hero | The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents | Night Watch | The Wee Free Men | Monstrous Regiment | A Hat Full of Sky | Going Postal | Thud! | Wintersmith | Making Money | Unseen Academicals | I Shall Wear Midnight | Snuff | Raising Steam | The Shepherd’s Crown
I can only assume that Gadaffi’s lot knew that their enormous military strength vs. the rebels could be degraded quite quickly by UN-authorised Air Forces. Could quickly turn into a rout. Assume the thinking is keep what they’ve got and bargain from a position of strength.